Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) concluded this weekend after returning as a fully physical event for the first time since 2019. It followed the Venice Film Festival, which awarded its top prize to Laura Poitras’ All The Beauty And The Bloodshed.
The two events focused minds on this year’s awards race, and Screen’s critics have picked out the titles to watch this year, including major Oscar and Bafta contenders, and smaller arthouse gems.
Compiled by Fionnuala Halligan
Awards contenders
All The Beauty And The Bloodshed
Dir. Laura Poitras
Our critic said: “One of the more satisfying and provocative artist portraits of recent years.”
Read our review
The Banshees Of Inisherin
Dir. Martin McDonagh
Our critic said: “McDonagh’s deliciously rhythmic comic dialogue, should give viewers a very good time – but may send them out shivering.”
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Empire Of Light
Dir. Sam Mendes
Our critic said: “Its message of love, tolerance and finding family wherever you can should make an impact in darkened rooms wherever it plays.”
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The Fabelmans
Dir. Steven Spielberg
Our critic said: “A potent memory piece guided by remarkable performances from Michelle Williams and Paul Dano.”
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Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Dir. Rian Johnson
Our critic said: “An immensely enjoyable movie which is at least as funny as the first outing, if not more.”
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The Good Nurse
Dir. Tobias Lindholm
Our critic said: “This superbly acted thriller – Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne both shine – is every bit as textured and knotty as Lindholm’s previous work.”
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The Inspection
Dir. Elegance Bratton
Our critic said: “Bratton’s depth of feeling elevates the material, suggesting that, for the filmmaker, there’s something intensely cathartic and therapeutic in this retelling.”
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The Lost King
Dir. Stephen Frears
Our critic said: “A warm, wryly amusing account of a real-life story, a crowd-pleasing portrait of the kind of enthusiastic amateur who proves enduringly popular with British cinema.”
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The Menu
Dir. Mark Mylod
Our critic said: “A bracingly spiteful and very funny picture.”
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Monica
Dir. Andrea Pallaoro
Our critic said: “Trace Lysette’s lived experience as a trans woman, which mirrors that of her character, helps the actor deliver a powerful, internalised performance, flashing slivers of spirit amid the hurt and reticence and endless resilience.”
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The Swimmers
Dir. Sally El Hosaini
Our critic said: “Its impact comes not only from the real-life events it’s depicting, but also the way in which it frames this now-familiar tale.”
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TÁR
Dir. Todd Field
Our critic said: “That rare film about a creative person that feels neither self-pitying nor self-aggrandising.”
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The Whale
Dir. Darren Aronofsky
Our critic said: “Brendan Fraser is courageous and fully committed in his first major leading feature film role for around a decade.”
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The Woman King
Dir. Gina Prince-Bythewood
Our critic said: “A cathartic release that’s sometimes overwhelmingly affecting.”
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Women Talking
Dir. Sarah Polley
Our critic said: “Examining faith and the patriarchy with quiet eloquence, this drama provides an acting showcase for a suite of superb performers headlined by Rooney Mara, Claire Foy and Jessie Buckley.”
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The Wonder
Dir. Sebastian Lelio
Our critic said: “Florence Pugh delivers a performance that’s as gripping as anything she’s put on screen.”
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Smaller titles that could make a mark
All Quiet On The Western Front
Dir. Edward Berger
Our critic said: “It’s a rewarding, if deeply upsetting and at times overwhelming, theatrical experience.”
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Argentina, 1985
Dir. Santiago Mitre
Our critic said: “You could take any Hollywood courtroom drama and stand Argentina, 1985 beside it. You could also look at the nine generals in the dock and see some relevance in your own country, wherever it may be.”
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Blue Jean
Dir. Georgia Oakley
Our critic said: “It’s a remarkably accomplished picture on every level, not least the keenly felt and fiercely authentic performances.”
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Brother
Dir. Clement Virgo
Our critic said: ”What’s particularly striking is just how elegantly the film’s three main timelines are woven together.”
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Dogborn
Dir. Isabella Carbonell
Our critic said: “A tightly focused, pulsing tale of conscience and conflict.”
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Emily
Dir. Frances O’Connor
Our critic said: “Emma Mackey’s thoughtful, understated performance matches a film that teases out the flesh-and-blood emotions from the stuff of gothic romance.”
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The Happiest Man In The World
Dir. Teona Strugar Mitevska
Our critic said: “Unity of time and location gives the film something of a theatrical feel, but in the very best sense.”
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The Maiden
Dir. Graham Foy
Our critic said: “A film that knows what it’s doing – and surprises us at those moments when it reveals its larger design.”
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The Origin Of Evil
Dir. Sebastien Marnier
Our critic said: “Marnier’s agile screenplay takes us beyond surface appearances to reveal the hidden agendas at play.”
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Princess
Dir. Roberto De Paolis
Our critic said: “One of the pleasures of the film is seeing actor and street-cast first-timer adjusting to each other’s performances as well as each other’s characters.”
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Saint Omer
Dir. Alice Diop
Our critic said: ”It’s a film which is driven by two interesting, unexpected performances.”
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